West Virginia
West Virginia is extremely different than I imagined. Vast, lush forests paint the landscape. The rolling Appalachian and Allegheny Mountains run through a good portion of the state, bordered by the muddy Ohio river to the North East. White water rafters find themselves at home conquering the turbulent rapids of the rivers while hikers trek the dense vegetation. On Friday, I went rock climbing along the New River Gorge with a few expert climbers from Pennsylvania, who were generous enough to let me use their climbing equipment.
To the West lies Huntington, the second biggest city with a population of 49,000. I spent the last couple days living there at the main fire station. It’s like a house: a fully stocked kitchen, laundry room, gym, movie room, game room, and dormitory. But, with the amenities, come long 24 shifts.
It takes a man of certain character to want to live this lifestyle – low pay and long hours in hazardous situations – all of which can cause rifts in relationships and marriages. And yet, it is this hero who calls it his gain, because these are minor inconveniences when compared to the nobler cause – rescuing people from burning buildings, opening mangled cars, acting as backup paramedics, and helping the damsel in distress. His mellifluous loving nature naturally exudes.
I want to live,
I want to give
I’ve been a miner
for a heart of gold
It’s these expressions
I never give
That keep me searching
for a heart of gold
And I’m getting old
Keeps me searching
for a heart of gold
Firemen and many in the South already have what Neil Young strived for – a heart of gold.
Coming from the white-collar world where one constantly has to monitor his own speech for fear of discipline from human resources, it is refreshing to see that with these firemen, there is no beating around the bush in the vernacular. And this is not out of malice or spite, but out of a camaraderie reminiscent of kin. I tell you the truth, it is a noble thing to want to regulate speech and use discerning words to respect the comfort levels of others. But none is richer than the family that is willing to tolerate direct criticisms without fear of retribution. This is the beginning of the heart of gold.
Glad to see you enjoyed WV. 🙂
I love your stories. Keep them coming. I bet you are experiencing more than you thought you would.
I hope that you enjoy the rest of your trip in WV, we do have a beautiful state.I have driven to the state Washington a few times and have seen many beautiful places along the way but it is always nice to come home to Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.
I admire what you are doing and please keep everyone posted on your journey.
Thanks for visiting our beautiful state and creating a positive image of it for your readers! Hope you had a great time rock climbing on the Gorge. Its really great what you are doing. I wish I had the guts to do it. good luck on your adventure.
I think every fireman at Huntington enjoyed your company. I hope you enjoyed your stay. You are welcome to come back and see us anytime. Keep upo the blog work. There is alot of guys keeping up with it. Take care and be safe.
I agree with John Nicholas, the guys of A-Shift enjoyed your stay and most are keeping up with your travels. Sorry you didn’t get very good nights of sleep, we were pretty busy the nights you were here. If it makes you feel any better it hasn’t slowed down any, we are still getting no sleep. Stay safe out there.
wow, you are a very talented writer! i envy your gift…keep writing and i’ll look forward to reading. =)
thought I’d add the local news on you during your stint here.
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=106739172906&h=-N_o5&u=Pa68o&ref=mf